U.S. patent number 6,731,324 [Application Number 10/132,963] was granted by the patent office on 2004-05-04 for video teleconferencing assembly and process.
Invention is credited to William W. Levy.
United States Patent |
6,731,324 |
Levy |
May 4, 2004 |
Video teleconferencing assembly and process
Abstract
An assembly and process for video telecommunication between a
host site and a remote site for medical applications. The host site
and remote site have computer assemblies constructed and arranged
to form a computerized video telecommunications system between
them. The remote site includes medical apparatus and procedures
having visual and/or audio recognition systems whereby training,
service, troubleshooting and instrument installation assistance can
be conducted from the host site. The video telecommunication system
at the host and remote sites include networking software for the
communication of audio and visual signals between the sites. The
communication between the host site and remote site may be direct
communication or communication over the internet. The communication
link between the host site and remote site may include an analog
telephone line, a digital telephone line, an analog wireless
network, a digital wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a
satellite transmission network, an electromagnetic wave network, a
graviton radiation wave network and a radio frequency wave
network.
Inventors: |
Levy; William W. (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Family
ID: |
22722786 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/132,963 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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195781 |
Nov 18, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.08;
348/E7.078; 379/106.02; 600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
7/141 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13333 (20130101); H04Q
2213/13337 (20130101); H04Q 2213/13389 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
7/14 (20060101); H04N 007/14 (); H04M 011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;348/14.01-14.04,14.07-14.09,14.1 ;455/3.1,4.1,5.1,6.1-6.3
;725/86,105 ;370/260-263 ;600/300 ;379/106.02 ;345/753 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Eng; George
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Eggink; Anthony G.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of Applicant's
co-pending application U.S Ser. No. 09/195,781, filed Nov. 18, 1998
and titled Video Teleconferencing Assembly and Process, which
application is pending, and which is incorporated by reference
herein.
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A video telecommunications assembly for providing technical
assistance for medical applications from a host site to a remote
site comprising: a) a host site having a computer assembly
constructed and arranged to form a computerized video
telecommunications system, said computer assembly having networking
software, a sufficient amount of RAM memory to run said networking
software, a hard drive having sufficient memory to run said
networking software, having fax sending and receiving capabilities,
a microphone, at least one speaker, a video input device, a video
monitor, networking bus architecture, and a means to connect said
computer assembly to a communication link, wherein said host site
provides technical assistance to said remote site, wherein said
technical assistance is selected from the group consisting of
technical and application troubleshooting, instrument installation
assistance, technique monitoring and training, technical training,
parts and replacement assistance, instrument and parts
identification, instrument performance verification, staff
monitoring, client and staff counseling, enhancement of sales and
service capabilities, and analyzing chemicals used to generate test
results for patients and quality control; b) a remote site having a
computer assembly constructed and arranged to form a computerized
video telecommunications system equipped with networking software
compatible to said host site's networking software, a sufficient
amount of RAM memory to run said networking software, a hard drive
having sufficient memory to run said networking software, fax
sending and receiving capabilities, a microphone, at least one
speaker, a video monitor, a video input device, a video digitizing
means, and a means to connect said computer assembly to said
communication link; c) a medical application at said remote site,
said medical application comprising medical equipment having a
recognition system or a laboratory procedure having a recognition
system, said recognition system being in view of said video input
device of said remote site computer assembly, whereby said
recognition system indicates the operating status of said medical
application for transmission from said remote site to said host
site; and d) a communication link selected from the group of
communication links consisting of an analog telephone line, a
digital telephone line, an analog wireless network, a digital
wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a satellite transmission
network, an electromagnetic wave network, a graviton radiation wave
network and a radio frequency wave network.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said communication link between
said host site and said remote site is established over the
internet.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said communication link is
enhanced utilizing a dedicated ISDN router/hub, DSL, cable modem or
a T-1000 line.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said host computer assembly is
further comprised of a PCI video digitizing card whereby said card
enables said host computer assembly to send and receive information
concurrently.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said medical application is
equipped with a computer modem.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said recognition system is a
visual recognition system comprised of a plurality of colored
lights.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said video input device is a
portable or stationary digital video camera or a portable or
stationary computer.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said video telecommunications
assembly has more than one remote site linked to said host
site.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said video telecommunications
assembly has more than one host site linked to said remote
site.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said host site has technical
reference materials and wherein said technical reference materials
are comprised of medical application manuals, troubleshooting
reference documents, medical applications, and databases for use by
a host site technician in assisting remote site staff/personnel
with technical procedures.
11. A video teleconferencing process for providing technical
support services between a host site and a remote site, comprising
the steps of: a) providing at least one host technical service
center equipped with a computer, networking software, and a
communication link adapted to form a computerized video
teleconferencing system and wherein said communication link is
selected from the group consisting of an analog telephone line, a
digital telephone line, an analog wireless network, a digital
wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a satellite transmission
network, an electromagnetic wave network, a graviton radiation wave
network and a radio frequency wave network; b) providing at the
remote site, a medical application comprising medical equipment
having a recognition system or a laboratory procedure having a
recognition system, said recognition system indicating to a
technician at the host status of said medical application; c)
providing at least one computerized video teleconferencing system,
set up at the remote site in view of said recognition system of
said medical application, said teleconferencing system having means
to communicate with said host site over said communication link; d)
contacting said host site from said remote video teleconferencing
system to request a teleconferencing session; e) having a host
respond to said remote site request by setting up a video
teleconferencing session between said host remote computer system
and said remote computer system; f) providing technical support
services by having host technical support personnel interpret the
recognition system generated by said medical application at said
remote site via said video teleconferencing session and analyzing
said recognition system output using said reference materials to
provide assistance to said remote site personnel; and g) providing
technical assistance to said remote site wherein said technical
assistance is selected from the group consisting of technical and
application troubleshooting, instrument installation assistance,
technique monitoring and training, technical training, parts and
replacement assistance, instrument and parts identification,
instrument performance verification, staff monitoring, client and
staff counseling, enhancement of sales and service capabilities,
and analyzing chemicals used to generate test results for patients
and quality control.
12. The process of claim 11, providing fax sending and receiving
hardware and software at said host and remote sites.
13. The process of claim 12, entering into a contract for services
to be rendered through the process of faxing the contract from the
host site to the remote site, having the party in need of technical
support sign said contract, and having the remote site fax the
signed copy to the host site.
14. The process of claim 11, wherein said video teleconferencing
session is conducted over the internet, via a satellite point to
point direct relay, via a satellite network relay, via an
electromagnetic transmission network, via a graviton radiation wave
transmission network or a radio frequency wave transmission
network.
15. The process of claim 11, wherein said host site is provided
with reference materials including medical equipment manuals,
trouble shooting reference documents, sample equipment, or computer
databases.
16. The process of claim 11, wherein said recognition system is a
visual recognition system comprised of a plurality of lights.
17. The process of claim 16, wherein said visual recognition system
is programmed whereby predetermined medical application problems
are indicated by the activation of predetermined light
patterns.
18. The process of claim 16, wherein said lights are colored and
wherein a colored light pattern medical application troubleshooting
code is programmed into the computer at the host site.
19. The process of claim 11, wherein said medical applications and
laboratory procedures used at the remote sites are programmed into
the computer at the host site.
20. The process of claim 11, further comprising the step of
providing fax sending and receiving hardware and software at the
host site and the remote site.
21. The process of claim 12, further comprising the step of
authorizing said telecommunications session by faxing a request for
authorization from the host site to the remote site and having the
remote site fax a duly signed copy of the request for authorization
back to the host site.
22. A method of performing technical assistance on medical
applications comprising the steps of: a) forming a contractual
relationship between a host technical service center and a remote
site having medical applications to provide technical assistance to
said remote site, wherein said technical assistance is selected
from the group consisting of technical and application
troubleshooting, instrument installation assistance, technique
monitoring and training, technical training, parts and replacement
assistance, instrument and parts identification, instrument
performance verification, staff monitoring, client and staff
counseling, enhancement of sales and service capabilities, and
analyzing chemicals used to generate test results for patients and
quality control; b) providing personnel at said host site with
access to technical service information; c) providing host site
with an audio-visual telecommunications system adapted to
communicate with said remote site via a communication link; d)
providing a communications link selected from the group of
communication links consisting of an analog telephone line, a
digital telephone line, an analog wireless network, a digital
wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a satellite transmission
network, an electromagnetic wave network, a graviton radiation wave
network and a radio frequency wave; e) providing remote site with a
audio-visual telecommunications system having audio and visual
input devices and having the ability to communicate with said host
site via said communication link, whereby said remote site system
can be set up within camera range of said medical application; f)
providing a remote site operator having the ability to set up and
operate said remote site system, wherein said remote site operator
is selected from the group of operators consisting of an employee
of said host technical service center, an independent contractor,
an employee of an entity having a service agreement with said host
technical service center, a franchise of a host franchiser and an
employee of the remote site wherein said remote site has an
agreement with said host technical service center to maintain said
remote site audio-visual telecommunications system on site; and
wherein said remote operator sets up the system for operation; g)
establishing a communication connection between said host site and
said remote site system via said communication link; h) verifying
that said contractual relationship is established; i) having said
host site personnel control the collection of information provided
by the remote site system; j) providing information to said remote
site personnel via said audio-video telecommunications system from
said host site, said host site using said information collected
from said remote site and with information located at said host
site providing technical guidance with respect to said medical
application; and k) disconnecting said telecommunications
connection.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said audio-visual
telecommunications system is a portable system or stationary
system.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the host site personnel control
the collection of information by asking said remote site operator
to manipulate the position of said audio-visual telecommunications
system to said medical application with respect to its proximity to
said application and the angle of said application for purposes of
gaining a different perspective of said application.
25. A video telecommunications assembly for providing technical
assistance comprising: a) a host site having a computer assembly
and technical reference materials, said computer assembly having
networking software, fax sending and receiving capabilities, a
microphone, at least one speaker, a video input device, a video
monitor, networking bus architecture, and a means to connect said
computer assembly to a communication link, wherein said host site
provides technical assistance to said remote site, wherein said
technical assistance is selected from the group consisting of
technical and application troubleshooting, instrument installation
assistance, technique monitoring and training, technical training,
parts and replacement assistance, instrument and parts
identification, instrument performance verification, staff
monitoring, client and staff counseling, enhancement of sales and
service capabilities, and analyzing chemicals used to generate test
results and quality control; b) a remote site having a computer
assembly constructed and arranged to form a computerized video
telecommunications system equipped with networking software
compatible with said host site's networking software, fax sending a
receiving capabilities, a microphone, at least one speaker, a video
monitor, a video input device, a video digitizing means, and a
means to connect said computer assembly to a communication link;
and c) a communication link between said host site and said remote
site, whereby said host site provides technical services to said
remote site after said host site requests authorization to provide
the technical services and the remote site authorizes the technical
services, and wherein said communication link is selected from the
group of communication links consisting of an analog telephone
line, a digital telephone line, an analog wireless network, a
digital wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a satellite
transmission network, an electromagnetic wave network, a graviton
radiation wave network and a radio frequency wave network.
26. An audio-video telecommunications method to enable a host site
of a host technical service center to provide technical assistance
to a remote site, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing
the host site with a computerized audio-video telecommunications
system capable of communicating with the remote site via a
communication link, wherein said host site provides technical
assistance to said remote site, wherein said technical assistance
is selected from the group consisting of technical and application
troubleshooting, instrument installation assistance, technique
monitoring and training, technical training, parts and replacement
assistance, instrument and parts identification, instrument
performance verification, staff monitoring, client and staff
counseling, enhancement of sales and service capabilities, and
analyzing chemicals used to generate test results and quality
control; b) providing a communication link selected from the group
of communication links consisting of an analog telephone line, a
digital telephone line, an analog wireless network, a digital
wireless network, a fiber optic cable, a satellite transmission
network, an electromagnetic wave network, a graviton radiation wave
network and a radio frequency wave network; c) providing the remote
site with a computerized audio-visual telecommunications system
capable of communicating with the host site via said communication
link; d) contacting the host site from said remote site system to
request a telecommunications session; e) having the host site
request the remote site to authorize said telecommunications
session; f) having the remote site authorize said
telecommunications session; g) having the host site respond to said
remote site authorization by setting up a telecommunications
session between said host site system and said remote site system
via said communication link; h) communicating information to said
host site system from said remote site system via said
communication link; i) communicating technical advice to said
remote site system from said host site system via said
communication link; and j) terminating said telecommunications
session.
27. An audio-visual telecommunications method for a host site of a
host technical service center to provide medical applications
technical assistance to a remote site, said method comprising the
steps of: a) providing the host site with a computerized
audio-visual telecommunications system capable of communicating
with the remote site via a communication link, wherein said host
site provides technical assistance to said remote site, wherein
said technical assistance is selected from the group consisting of
technical and application troubleshooting, instrument installation
assistance, technique monitoring and training, technical training,
parts and replacement assistance, instrument and parts
identification, instrument performance verification, staff
monitoring, client and staff counseling, enhancement of sales and
service capabilities, and analyzing chemicals used to generate test
results for patients and quality control; b) providing a
communication link selected from the group of communication links
consisting of an analog telephone line, a digital telephone line,
an analog wireless network, a digital wireless network, a fiber
optic cable, a satellite transmission network, an electromagnetic
wave network, a graviton radiation wave network and a radio
frequency wave network; c) providing the remote site with a
computerized audio-visual telecommunications system capable of
communicating with the host site via said communication link and a
remote site operator selected from the group of operators
consisting of an employee of the host technical service center, an
independent contractor, an employee of a person having a service
agreement with the host technical service center, and an employee
of the remote site wherein the remote site has an agreement with
the host technical service center to maintain said remote site
system on site; d) contacting the host site from said remote site
system to request a telecommunications session; e) having the host
site request the remote site to authorize said telecommunications
session; f) having the remote site authorize said
telecommunications session; g) having the host site respond to said
remote site authorization by setting up a telecommunications
session between said host site system and said remote site system
via said communication link; h) continually communicating
information about a medical application to said host site system
from said remote site system via said communication link; and i)
continually and interactively communicating technical advice about
said medical application to said remote site system from said host
site system via said telecommunications session.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to video teleconferencing
assemblies and processes and more particularly to video
teleconferencing assemblies and processes relating to medical,
analytical and research applications. The video teleconferencing
assemblies and processes relate to computer based services in
present time and which include training, diagnostic and repair
services for medical equipment as well as to laboratory procedures.
The assemblies and processes of the invention further relate to the
repair, installation, calibration and operation at remote sites of
equipment in other industries, for example, industrial machines,
tools and equipment, industrial process equipment,
telecommunication equipment, heavy construction equipment,
agriculture, food processing, food service, electronic and
packaging equipment and heating, vacuum and air conditioning
equipment and the like.
The assemblies of this invention include a host site and a remote
site and between which information is relayed via a
telecommunication link, such as via the internet, satellite point
to point relay, satellite network relay, electromagnetic (EM) wave
transmission, graviton radiation wave transmission or via radio
frequency (RF) wave transmission, for example. The invention
relates particularly to video duplexing (i.e., receiving and
sending information concurrently) and is adapted to provide
diagnostic services for servicing various research devices, medical
equipment and related processes, for example.
Presently, if equipment located at a remote area fails to perform
properly, needs servicing, or is scheduled to be tested, a service
technician, skilled in a particular art, is often required to
travel to that remote location to diagnose the problem, order the
parts, and repair and test the equipment. Travel and time
considerations make this practice an expensive and time consuming
procedure. The assembly and process of this invention overcome
these problems and shortcomings and does so in a timely and
efficient manner.
The present invention permits a party, such as an operator located
at a host site, to directly communicate with a second party at a
remote location via a telecommunication link. The
telecommunications link may comprise a telephone line, a data line,
a satellite connection, the internet, wireless communication,
satellite point to point direct relay, satellite network relay,
electromagnetic wave transmission, graviton radiation wave
transmission, radio frequency wave transmission and other
communication links and combinations thereof. This invention also
permits multiple parties at both the host and remote sites to be in
direct communication with each other.
The present invention includes the adaptation of a visual and audio
recognition system in the medical application at the remote site.
The visual and/or audio recognition systems are used with medical
apparatus and laboratory procedures at the remote site. The
recognition system is monitored at the host site. The apparatus may
include or be connected to a modem so that data may be directly
sent to the host site for monitoring and diagnostic purposes.
The assemblies and processes of this invention permit various
services and procedures to be performed between two separated or
distant sites. These services include: technical and application
troubleshooting, instrument installation assistance, technique
monitoring and training, and technical training. Further, this
invention may be used for parts replacement assistance, instrument
and parts identification, instrument performance verification,
staff monitoring, client and staff counseling, and enhancement of
sales and service capabilities. Examples of areas in which this
assembly can be used include: diagnosing instrument malfunctions,
determining misalignment and movement impairments for robotics
applications, monitoring fluidic action in medical applications,
diagnosing pressure or vacuum malfunctions and mechanical
impairments, diagnosing and adjusting electronic circuitry, and
diagnosing technical malfunctions of chemical reactions and
dilution ratios.
An object of this invention is to provide to industrial, research
and medical institutions as well as to industrial machine, tool and
equipment, industrial process equipment, telecommunication
equipment, heavy construction equipment, agriculture, food
processing, food service, electronic and packaging equipment, and
HVAC equipment entities, and the like, assemblies and processes
adapted for dealing with various service applications. For example,
the repair, installation, calibration, monitoring and operation of
equipment, devices and processes in various industries may be
serviced by the assemblies and processes of the present invention.
Preferably, the technical service is available on a 24 hours per
day basis. A medical application for the purposes of this invention
includes medical apparatus and laboratory procedures. For example,
medical instrumentation having robotic equipment, vacuum or
pressurized fluid holding components, electronic circuitry, or
chemical components or consumables may be monitored by the assembly
and process of the invention.
Medical equipment areas and products within those areas for which
the assembly and process of this invention may be used, include but
are not limited to: Medical Products including cardiac monitors,
gamma counters, lasers, peptide synthesizers, autoclaves, EKG,
imaging equipment, operating tables, portable X-ray's, and the
like; Research/Production products including atomic absorption, DNA
extractors, DNA synthesizers, flow cytometers, freeze dryers, gamma
counters, HPLC, mass spectrometers, microtomes, peptide
synthesizers, autoclaves, cell counters, centrifuges, fermenters,
LS counters, microplate readers, pilot plant equipment, RIA
analyzers, and the like; Analytical products including atomic
absorption, DNA extractors, DNA synthesizers, flow cyometers,
freeze dryers, gamma counters, HPLC, mass spectrometers,
microtomes, peptide synthesizers, autoclaves, cell counters,
centrifuges, fermenters, LS counters, microplate readers, RIA
analyzers, and the like; and General Laboratory Medical products
including chemistry analyzers, coag analyzers, DNA extractors, DNA
synthesizers, electrolyte analyzers, flow cytometers, gamma
counters, HPLC, microtomes, autoclaves, blood gas analyzers, cell
counters, centrifuges, densitometers, LS counters, RIA analyzers,
imaging and radiology products and the like. The latter products
and equipment including those having a c.p.u. and related
peripheral computer devices, i.e., a modem, being exemplary,
however, and other equipment in other fields may also be serviced
according to the teachings of the present invention. The assembly
and process of this invention can be used to analyze not only
research and medical device problems, but may also include the
chemicals (consumables and reagents) that are used to generate the
test results for patients and which are used for quality assurance
purposes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to video teleconferencing assemblies and
processes between separated sites or distant physical locations for
the purpose of providing particular services related to medical
applications in present time. The invention includes a host site
and a remote site and wherein specified equipment is located at
each site for communication between the sites.
The host site assembly includes a computer, video and audio
hardware and a communication link between the host and remote
sites, such as via an internet connection, a satellite point to
point direct relay, satellite network relay, electromagnetic wave
transmission, graviton radiation wave transmission, radio frequency
wave transmission and like communication connections. The computer
preferably contains PCI bus architecture. Specific hardware and
software are also used for video duplexing including a video input
device, such as a camera in addition to a PCI video digitizing
card. Finally, the invention may require an internet connection
consisting of internet related hardware, software and services. The
internet connection preferably uses an ISDN router/hub, DSL, cable
modem, T-1000 or the like, a communications link such as an analog
or digital telephone line, a network providing internet
connectivity, and an internet service provider. The communication
link utilized for the internet connection may include ISDN, T-1000,
a satellite transmission, digital and analog lines, or the like.
The communication link may also include lines having combinations
of these connections. As discussed, the communication link may be
established via satellite point to point direct relay, satellite
network relay, electromagnetic wave transmission, graviton
radiation wave transmission, radio frequency wave transmission
and/or other communication connections which provide for the
transmission of data, video and audio signals.
The host site further has reference materials relating to medical
applications that are located and used at a remote site. The
reference materials include information relating to various medical
applications including medical apparatus and medical testing
procedures used in medical laboratories. The medical applications
are provided with visual and/or audio recognition systems that are
recognized and analyzed at the host site.
The remote site assembly includes a computer, video and audio
hardware, an internet connection or other communication link, such
as a satellite direct relay or other transmission. Preferably, the
remote site assembly is portable to enable setup of the assembly in
proximity to the device or process that is the subject of the
conferencing session. The video hardware also includes a portable
video input device. The computer and internet connection or other
communication is similar to and compatible with that of the host
site.
The process of this invention involves the utilization of the
computer assemblies located at the host and remote sites and
includes a number of process steps. To conduct a video conferencing
session, the host site is initially turned on and connected to the
internet or to another communication link, such as satellite point
to point direct relay, satellite network relay, electromagnetic
wave, graviton radiation wave transmission or radio frequency wave
transmission. The host system may identify the IP address and
utilizes an operational video capture subsystem to perform video
duplexing. Communication may be received in video and/or audio and
carried out by informing the remote site assembly of the IP address
of the receiving computer located at the remote site.
The computer assembly at the remote site includes an internet
connection or the like via an ISP connection and/or means to
establish a communication link via satellite point to point direct
relay, satellite network relay or other transmission. Users may
send calls to the host site's IP address by means of video and/or
audio. Communication between the remote site and the host site is
maintained via communication software, such as Netmeeting 2.0 or
like software, for example.
The visual and/or audio recognition systems of the invention
include visual indicators used in connection with medical apparatus
and laboratory procedures. The visual and/or audio indicators are
used to determine the status of medical applications at the remote
site. A modem may also be connected to or incorporated into the
medical application for transmitting data and/or other signals
between the host and remote sites. For example, the visual
indicators may include a plurality of colored lights, such as
LED's. The visual and/or audio recognition systems may be internal
or external to the medical apparatus.
These and other benefits of this invention will become clear from
the following description by reference to the drawing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the host site and the remote
site as well as the equipment utilized at the respective sites;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the steps utilized between
the host site and remote site(s) to practice the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a satellite point to point
direct relay between the host site and the remote site; and
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a satellite network relay
between the host site and the remote site.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, a schematic diagram is set forth
showing the assemblies utilized in the present invention. FIG. 1
shows the host site and the remote site connected for
communication, such as via the internet, via satellite point to
point direct relay, via satellite network relay, via
electromagnetic wave transmission, graviton radiation wave
transmission or radio frequency wave transmission. The respective
sites may be located in different countries for example, whereby an
operator having access to various manuals and databases is able to
communicate with a technician at the remote site. The communication
between the host site and the remote site may be in present time,
i.e., at least 30 frames /sec., however, this communication speed
is not required for purposes of this invention. For example,
communication between the sites at 15 frames per/sec. has been
found suitable for purposes of practicing the teachings of this
invention. The operator at the host site, in the U.S.A., for
example, is able to communicate with a technician at a hospital or
other person at a remote facility, in either the U.S.A. or in a
country outside of the U.S.A. for example, and is able to instruct
the technician to diagnose and repair a particular piece of
equipment, for example. Initially, a business relationship may be
entered into between the respective parties by means of an
agreement sent via facsimile.
For example, it is customary and important under the laws and
governmental regulations of various countries that proper
agreements and service procedures be followed with respect to the
servicing of specified equipment. The computer assemblies of this
invention may include databases having specified contracts for
service orders, for example. The operator at the host site may
transmit the proper documentation to the remote site for signature
and subsequently have the signed agreement of service order
returned to the host site so that a contractual relationship has
been entered into before any substantive services are provided.
FIG. 1 further shows that the operator at the host site has
available for use various equipment, manuals, references, databases
and a visual recognition system for performing the various services
set forth herein. For example, the operator upon seeing the
equipment at the remote site may consult an equipment manual,
access a database and provide service information to the technician
at the remote site or to other individual parties at the site. The
verbal and visual information exchanged between the sites may
include the use of similar operational devices, teaching aids and
programmed procedural techniques at the host site so that the
technician at the remote site may readily see and understand the
proper operational parameters of the equipment or procedure at
issue.
The assembly and process of the invention include the use of a
visual and/or audio recognition system. A visual recognition system
is a visual signal provided by a medical application located at the
remote site that indicates to a host site technician a particular
problem or the general condition of the device or process. The
visual signal provided is such that the host site technician, for
example, can easily identify it via the video teleconferencing
system. The visual recognition systems may include a light or a
plurality of lights which when activated relate to a specific
condition. Further, a light or plurality of lights may flash in
predetermined patterns to show the status of medical equipment. The
visual recognition systems also include chemical reagents which
appear one color if mixed correctly or another color if incorrectly
mixed. The visual recognition system may be internal or external to
the apparatus to be diagnosed. An audio recognition system relates
to any sound that may be generated from the equipment, i.e., a
buzzer.
The present invention may also use a direct link between the
medical apparatus and the portable computer assembly, work station,
laptop, computer on a cart, and the like at the remote site so that
the host site can analyze the readings/data generated from the
apparatus at the remote site. For example, pH, temperature, signal
input and output, voltage, flow rates and the like may be monitored
directly at the host site to diagnose a piece of equipment. The
latter readings and data being exemplary of data important to
analyze medical equipment, however, it is within the purview of
this invention to enable readings directly from medical apparatus
to be input in the remote site assembly for transmission to the
host site.
The assembly and process of the present invention relates to video
teleconferencing which may be conducted over the internet or other
communication link such as a satellite point to point direct relay,
satellite network relay and like connections. FIG. 3 is a schematic
diagram which shows the assemblies at the host site and the remote
site in communication via a satellite point to point direct relay
communication link. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram which shows the
assemblies at the host site and the remote site in communication
via a satellite network relay communication link. The assembly of
the invention includes a host site, having specified computer
equipment, a remote site(s) also having specified computer
equipment and a process for video teleconferencing between the
respective sites.
An exemplary list of the equipment used at the host site, at the
remote site and the process linking the respective sites are as
follows (use of compatible or like equipment may be used in the
teachings of this invention):
Host Site System Assembly
Computer
The computer system equipment for the host site may include the
following:
A desktop computer with the following features
Windows 95/98/NT
16 MB RAM
772 MB HD
Windows compatible sound system
14" SVGA Color Display
PCI bus architecture
Additional Video Hardware--Only Necessary for Video Duplexing
(Receiving and Sending).
For full duplexing of video (receiving and sending) the host
computer system will also require the following additional video
hardware:
A video input device such as a Toshiba Noteworthy Notebook CCD
Camera
A PCI video digitizing card such as the Micro Video DC30
Internet Connection
The computer system preferably includes the following Internet
related hardware, software, and services:
A dedicated ISDN router/hub such as the Ascend Pipeline 75.
A standard ISDN digital telephone line (an example of a
communication link. Use of other communication links, as discussed
above, are within the purview of this invention).
Microsoft TCP/IP network protocol configured for Internet
connectivity (Explorer, Netscape or like compatible software may
also be used).
An Internet Service Provider relationship (internet
connection).
Communication Link (Alternative Connections)--Can be Utilized with
or without Internet Connection.
Means for satellite point to point direct relay, satellite network
relay connection, electromagnetic wave transmission, graviton
radiation wave transmission and radio frequency wave
transmission.
Remote Site Assembly
Computer
The computer system equipment for the remote site include the
following:
A Notebook computer with the following features: Windows 95/98/NT
16 MB RAM 772 MB HD Windows compatible sound system 10.4" Active
Matrix Display 2.times.PCMCIA Type II Expansion Slots
Additional Video Hardware
The computer will also use the following video hardware:
A portable video input device such as a Toshiba Noteworthy Notebook
CCD Camera
A PCMCIA Type II video digitizing card such as the Toshiba
Noteworthy Video Capture Card
Internet Connection
The computer system will also use the following Internet related
hardware, software and services:
36.6 band modem (minimum)
standard analog telephone line (minimum)
Microsoft remote access configured for Internet connectivity
An Internet Service Provider relationship (internet connection)
Communication Link (Alternative Connection)--Can be Utilized with
or without Internet Connection.
Means for satellite point to point direct relay, satellite network
relay connection, electromagnetic wave transmission, graviton
radiation wave transmission and radio frequency wave
transmission.
The above list of computer equipment at the host and remote sites
represent exemplary and minimum requirements for purposes of
practicing the present invention. As is known, computer equipment,
software, communication links and related devices may change
rapidly and it is within the purview of this invention to utilize
such computer equipment, software and related devices having added
function, power and capacity.
The Process of Creating a Video Conferencing Session
Host Configuration and Process Steps
To set up a video conferencing session the host site creates the
following computer environment:
1. All local computers and routers are powered on;
2. Connection to the internet or other communication link, such as
satellite connection is established;
3. Identifying the receiving (remote) system's IP address;
4. Initiate the video capture subsystem, as identified above (video
duplexing only)
5. Execute Microsoft Netmeeting 2.0 or above or the like;
6. Turn on receive calls with video/audio; and
7. Communicate to the remote site the IP address of the receiving
computer.
Remote System Configuration and Process Steps
To set up a video conferencing session the remote system creates
the following computer environment:
8. The notebook or work station computer is powered on;
9. Connection to the internet via ISP connection or other
communication link, such as satellite connection is
established;
10. Identifying the host system receiving system's IP address (as
provided in step 7 above);
11. Ensure that the Notebook video capture subsystem is working
correctly;
12. Execute Microsoft Netmeeting 2.0 or above or the like;
13. Turn on send calls with video/audio; and
14. In Netmeeting 2.0 or the like software initiate a communication
session with the host system's IP address.
Functions and Purposes of the Assemblies and Processes
In summary, the assemblies and processes of the invention may be
utilized to provide the following procedures which are often
encountered in the medical equipment diagnostic field:
1. Technical and application troubleshooting;
2. Instrument installation assistance;
3. Technique monitoring and training;
4. Technical training;
5. Parts replacement assistance;
6. Instrument and parts identification;
7. Instrument performance verification;
8. Staff/personnel monitoring;
9. Client and staff counseling; and
10. Enhancement of sales and service capabilities.
Further, industrial, research and medical institutions are able to
use the assemblies and processes of this invention for handling the
services set forth above. The assemblies and processes can also be
used to analyze not only medical device problems, but the chemicals
(consumables, reagents) that are used to generate the test results
for patients and quality control. It is within the purview of this
invention that similar or like assemblies for the host and remote
sites be usable for performing the processes of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the steps utilized between
the host site and the remote site(s) to practice the present
invention. A typical sequence of events is as follows:
Step 1: Establish a Contractual Relationship
The Host Technical Service Center and a Remote Site having a
medical or other application, or an intermediary of the Remote
Site, engage in the formation of a contract to provide technical
service with regard to the medical or other application. The Host
Site may provide services to the Remote Site by contracting in any
of a variety of ways.
If a Remote Site wants the equipment to stay at their facility,
they can lease or rent the equipment and provide their own Remote
System Operator. If a Remote Site does not want the equipment to
stay at their facility, the Host can provide service by either
sending an independent contractor, who leases or rents the
equipment, to the remote site; send the equipment to a person in
the Remote Site's area that is able to provide service under a
single visit contract; or send the equipment with a Host employee
to the Remote Site to provide service.
Step 2: Providing the Proper Equipment
The Host Technical Service Center (Host Site) has technical
personnel, service information, and an audio-visual
teleconferencing system (Host System). The Remote Site obtains a
portable audio-video teleconferencing system (Remote System) that
can communicate with the Host System. The Remote Site may obtain a
temporary Remote System, provided by the Host Technical Service
Center, that can be stored at the Remote Site indefinitely.
Step 3: Initial Set-Up
The Remote Site System Operator (Remote System Operator) sets up
the Remote System in close proximity to the medical or other
application that is to be the subject of the telecommunications
session and establishes a connection between the Host System and
the Remote System via a communications link, preferably over the
Internet, via satellite point to point direct relay, satellite
network relay, radio frequency wave transmission or other
communication connection.
Step 4: Verifying the Contractual Relationship
Once the Remote System is set up, the Remote System Operator
confirms that a contractual relationship is in effect. This can be
accomplished via telephone, facsimile, or via the audio-video
telecommunications system once a communications connection is
established. Host Site Personnel confirm the contract and authorize
the service session to commence.
Step 5: Technical Services Provided
The Host Technician operating the Host System can provide a variety
of services including: training, troubleshooting, and guidance on
calibration and maintenance. These services are completed by
providing instruction to the Remote Operator based upon the
information available to the Host Technician at the Host Site,
information conveyed from the Remote Operator and other Remote Site
personnel via the linked audio-video telecommunications systems,
and the Host Technician can see and hear the operation of the
application via the linked audio-video telecommunications systems.
Further, the Remote Site Operator can move the Remote System to
give the Host Technician a different perspective which may aid the
Host Technician in providing proper information to the Remote Site
personnel.
Step 6: Documentation
As shown in FIG. 1, the equipment at the host site includes
software. It is preferred that such software includes means to
track and maintain history of the remote site and the equipment and
procedures there located. As shown in FIG. 2, prior to sign off,
all services that have been provided at the remote site are
documented. Thus, a history and steps taken at any remote site is
kept in the computer system at the host site. It is within the
purview of the invention to maintain a PMI (Preventative
Maintenance Inspection) docket in the software at the host site so
that proper maintenance and/or verification procedures are
indicated. At the direction of the host site, the latter
information may be sent to or maintained on the remote site
computer assembly.
Step 7: Ending the Session
Once services have been provided, the Remote System Operator
disconnects the communications connection. The Remote System
Operator then either moves the Remote System to a new medical or
other application for which the current Remote Site needs
assistance, stores the system away at the Remote Site, or
reconfigures the device to be taken with the Operator. The device
may then be shipped back to the Host Site or may be kept by the
Operator until the next job depending on the arrangement between
the Operator and the Host Site.
Although medical application services are discussed herein, the
assemblies and processes of the invention may also be utilized to
perform services relating to other applications, i.e., relating to
the repair, installation, calibration and operation at remote sites
of equipment in other industries, for example, industrial machines,
tools and equipment, industrial process equipment,
telecommunication equipment, heavy construction equipment,
agriculture, food processing, food service, electronic and
packaging equipment, and heating, vacuum and air conditioning
equipment and the like.
In summary, the computer equipment and software equipment discussed
herein are exemplary and compatible and like equipment and software
may be used in the teachings of this invention. Further, the host
site may be more than one in number, i.e., wherein two operators
skilled in respective arts are networked to communicate with one or
more remote sites. Furthermore, one or more host sites may
simultaneously be linked to a plurality of remote sites i.e., to
conduct a training session.
As many changes are possible to the embodiments of this invention
utilizing the teachings thereof, the descriptions above, and the
accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and
not the limited sense.
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